Families gather for 2016 Riverchase Galleria tree lighting

The Riverchase Galleria once again welcomed families into the mall's food court for its annual Christmas tree lighting Friday night. 

Hundreds of guests gathered to listen to holiday songs, meet popular characters and await the arrival of Santa Claus. There were appearances from Mickey and Minnie Mouse, characters from Star Wars, Disney princesses and action heroes such as Batman, Spiderman and Iron Man. 

Some of Santa's elves performed holiday songs while they awaited their boss's arrival, and people cheered when Santa walked on stage. Emcees Hoover Mayor Gary Ivey and NBC 13 news anchor Brooke Smith encouraged everyone to show their holiday spirit to light the "Holiday Spirit Meter," which they said helped light the tree. After a few cheers, the spirit meter lit up, and the mall's tree and carousel did the same.